The Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA) at Gulfport's restoration program includes producing a context sensitive plan, both socially and environmentally.
Key components of the Port's environmental plan for restoration include: finding a beneficial use for dredged materials; developing a water circulation path that will provide for better water quality and fish passage; effectively utilizing technology to reduce noise and pollution; and providing an aesthetically pleasing view shed.
August 31, 2010
Notice for Early Public Review of a Proposal to Support Activity in the 100-Year Floodplain and Wetland - New Tenant Terminals and Infrastructure.
The Mississippi Development Authority will be submitting an application to HUD for the construction of a 24-Acre Fill, New Tenant Terminals and Infrastructure project at the Port of Gulfport. The project will involve the necessary work to fill the final 24 acres of Mississippi Sound wawter bottoms authorized by Department of the Army Permit (MS96002829-U), fill the West Pier to +25.0 feet to make the port facilities resistant to storm surge, and construct new tenant terminal facilities and infrastructure. The proposed project is located on Port property and Mississippi Sound water bottoms. The project description is available for review by clicking here.
This notice is required by Section 2(a)(4) of Executive Order 11988 for Floodplain Management, and by Section 2(b) of Executive Order 11990 for the Protection of Wetlands, and is implemented by HUD Regulations found at 24 CFR 55.20 (b) for the HUD action that is within and/or affects a floodplain or wetland. The proposed site for this project is the West Pier and Port property south of U.S. 90 including the 60-acre fill area authorized by Phases I and II of Department of the Army Permit MS96-028280-U that is currently under construction, the 24-acre fill area authorized by Phase III of Permit MS96-02828-U, and approximately one (1) acre of dredged water bottoms adjacent to the whart for a new pile supported crane rail. Geographically, the project area lies in Section 9, Township 8 South, Range 11 West, Harrison County, Mississippi.
Based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Flood Insurance Rate Map numbers 28047C0376G and 28047C0377G effective June 16, 2009, the project site is located within Zone VE. The project site covers approximately 196 acres within Zone VE including 24 acres in what is now classified as shallow open water and one (1) acre of dredge water bottoms. No construction is anticipated within a designated floodway.
This notice with a request for comment was mailed to the Regional Offices of FEMA and EPA, Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and Emergency Management Agency, City of Gulfport, and Harrison County. Additional information may be obtained by contacting: Mr. Daron Wilson, Director - Disaster Recovery Division at the Mississippi Development Authority; P.O. Box 849; Jackson, MS 39205.
Written comments must be received by the MDA at the following address on or before September 15, 2010: Mississippi Development Authority; P.O. Box 849; Jackson, MS 39205; Attention: Daron Wison, Director - Disaster Recovery Division.
April 26, 2010
The MSPA has filed an environmental permit application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). To view the Public Notice on the USACE website, click here or go to www.sam.usace.army.mil/rd/reg/public.asp and click on the Application Number (SAM-2009-1768-DMY). The USACE public notice is also available for viewing in the Public Notices archives section, available on this website.